Packraft size?

[mattinaustin]

I have seen some of you have included packrafts in your trips and I was curious what size you have found works best.  I am looking at the Alpacka rafts.  The Yukon Yak is the smallest they recommend for putting a bike on and weighs in at 4 pounds 11 ounces.  4 ounces more gets you the Denali Llama and an additional 4.5" of interior length.  I am guessing the Yukon is the way to go given my height of 5'8, but not sure if that starts to get a little crowded with the bike on top and the other gear?

Also curious if they are easy to use for those with little experience on the water?

Any opinions? 

Been wanting to do a Big Bend NP (dirt roads) and Big Bend Ranch state park (more ST) multiday with a return on the Rio Grande.  No class III given the flow unless there is a big rain or a reservoir is opened up in Mexico.

--Matt

[Eric]

Get the Yak, the llama will be too roomy for you. People that get oversize boats for their size usually find them unstable in spashy water.

Yep easy to learn, take it on some mellow rivers first, learn ferrying and back paddling and generally avoiding hitting anything. Sounds like a good trip. Class III with bikes is pushing it

Deck is your call, if warmth is not an issue then you just need to decide how much whitewater you intend to do.

[mattinaustin]

Thanks for the input.  It makes sense that it will perform better if it fits closer.  Did you have to get any extra tie down points to secure the bike? 

I will mainly be on pretty calm water so probably not that big of a deal.

[bmike-vt]

Looking at the same boat - but for NE / ADK bike / water trips. Have a rough sketch of an Adirondack bike / raft traverse from N - S in my mind... have to start studying the water routes a bit more. Would plan for mostly flat water - lakes, ponds, and connecting rivers.

I'm 5'8, will have mountain or cross bike + gear along...